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Barcelona star sees fraud and corruption case dropped

Barcelona star Neymar will not face fraud or corruption charges relating to his move to the Catalan giants from Santos in 2013.

The case had been brought to the courts by Brazilian investment fund DIS, who had formerly held the player’s rights prior to his move to the Nou Camp.

They had argued that they were owed more from the transfer, but accused both Barca and Santos of using parallel contracts to hide the true cost.

Spanish judicial authorities had believed that €26m from the parallel contracts were shared between Neymar, his family and Santos, with DIS and the taxman missing out on their cuts.

Barcelona had already made a voluntary €13.5m tax payment after being indicted for alleged tax fraud, but this now clears up the matter.

As confirmed by the Spanish High Court judge, it has been ruled that the case “could have sporting, ethical and disciplinary repercussions” but said it “cannot be pursued in the criminal courts”.

In turn, it also clears former Barca president Sandro Rosell of any possible criminal proceedings, as well as former the Santos president and Neymar’s father and agent.

It will be a huge boost for the club given the on-going disruption that Lionel Messi’s tax case has caused this week too, while for Neymar it means a chance to continue to prepare for the Olympics in Rio later this summer without the threat of further legal action hanging over his head.

The Brazilian forward had been linked with an exit from the Nou Camp this summer, but instead put pen-to-paper on a new deal with the La Liga champions last week to secure his future.